TRAVEL

TOP WAYS TO VACATION AFTER MONTHS OF CAUTIONARY TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY eading to Coastal Mississippi: The Secret Coast is a good option H IN 2021 includes when you’re on vacation, so pack extra masks and plan on wearing them indoors - such as at shops as its location in the Southern United States brings warm weather AND SHELVING VACATION or attractions - as well as outdoors if you’re within 6 feet of another throughout the year, plus access to PLANS, PEOPLE, person not in your household. You the Gulf and plentiful opportunity to explore outdoors. Travel interest ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH might even consider ordering special masks that commemorate your is up for The Secret Coast as its 62 FAMILIES AT HOME, ARE group trip rather than the traditional miles of scenic shoreline dotted by T-shirt. They make for great vacation unique coastal communities boast RESEARCHING HOW THEY photographs!

Southern charm and hospitality. Many people are choosing to CAN INDULGE THEIR Know and Follow discover this destination based on WANDERLUST SAFELY Local Restrictions the Coastal Mississippi Promise of Health and Safety, which pledges AGAIN IN 2021. THE GOAL Although the federal government has provided best overall practices that visitors can expect all hospitality IS TO ENJOY A VACATION for staying safe during the pandemic, partners to follow recommendations from leading health agencies and IN A RESPONSIBLE specific regulations may vary depending on where you travel. Take regional health care authorities to MANNER, CREATING the time to research your destination ensure everyone’s safety. and what specific protocols they may MEMORIES WHILE require. Then talk with your travel

“Travel will likely still look different KEEPING YOURSELF AND group ahead of time so you can all in 2021. While we welcome visitors be proactive in following these rules to explore Coastal Mississippi and OTHERS SAFE. and keeping everyone safe. safely create lasting memories, we encourage travelers to make safe. To help you do that, here are Sanitize Frequently informed decisions when planning some of the most effective ways to Keep hands clean by washing their vacations,” says Milton Segarra, vacation responsibly in 2021: regularly and avoid touching your

CEO of Coastal Mississippi. face. Wash with soap and water for 20 Mask Up seconds, or about the length of time In addition to visiting a destination Everyone 2 years and older should to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. When that prioritizes public health, it’s wear masks while in public, per soap and water aren’t available, hand wise to take additional steps to Centers for Disease Control and sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is keep your travel group and others Prevention recommendation. This a good option. In addition to hands,

consider sanitizing surfaces before use, such as the tray table if flying on your vacation. It may have been sanitized already, but this gives you peace of mind and limits germspread even more.

Enjoy Outdoor Spaces

When planning your itinerary, consider ideas that are outdoors. Fresh air and space to social distance is safer and can make your vacation more enjoyable. From beautiful bayous and bays to the longest man-made beach in the nation, Coastal Mississippi offers an array of outdoor adventures, including exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore at Davis Bayou, water paddling along scenic blueways, fishing trips, sunset boat excursions and much more. Explore Accommodations

You want to be comfortable where you stay and confident it’s clean, so spend some time researching what different accommodations are doing to keep guests safe. Then, book what feels right for you, whether that be a sprawling resort, private bed and breakfast, or unique boutique hotel. Featuring four modern, floating cabins complete with wet bars, and private, lush outdoor showers, Hotel Beatnik in Mississippi’s Ocean Springs Creative District offers a fun new option for travelers.

Book Tickets Early for Attractions Many attractions are altering procedures and rules to keep wellness top of mind. Call and ask about what they’re doing to keep everyone safe and if there are new occupancy limits. You may want to book tickets early because fewer are being sold so less people are in a particular attraction at once. The newly opened Mississippi Aquarium in Coastal Mississippi is adhering to all recommended guidelines and provides an opportunity for visitors to explore more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plantings representing all seven Physiographic Regions of Mississippi.

Stay Home if You Feel Sick

Finally, if you feel sick, stay home. Many accommodations and attractions will refund your money or offer vouchers for use in the future. That way you can go when you’re feeling well and can fully enjoy your trip while also helping to limit the spread of illness. (BPT) l